The other day I was driving down the highway and navigating by staring in the rearview mirror. I figured if I knew what happened in the past, I’d get to where I want to be.

Besides, what could go wrong?

Needless to say, that didn’t happen. To do so would invite problems.

The same is true in leadership. A multitude of lagging indicators bombard leaders every day. Employee engagement surveys, actual spend reports, performance appraisals and many others.

I find leading easier by paying attention to the leading indicators.

What the people want in their career, the pressures they might be facing at home, or how people feel about the prospect of still working with you in the future.

What are you paying attention to?

You’ve got this.